Jindo County Family Center is promoting ‘Happy Meals’, a program to improve the eating habits of middle-aged men. Jindo County Family Center announced that it is conducting ‘Happy Meals’, a program to improve the eating habits of single-person households, with the goal of helping middle-aged men become independent in their eating habits.
This project, which has been in operation since the end of October, educates middle-aged men on basic cooking methods so that they can prepare for a healthy retirement. It is also used as a channel for social communication and is receiving great response from participants.
One participant said, “I thought of a meal as just filling up with one or two side dishes or having food delivered, but it was even more fun to learn how to cook and feel a sense of accomplishment by making my own food and to be able to communicate with other people who participated in the cooking class.” reported.
The Jindo County Family Center said, “We conducted a cooking class as a customized program for single-person households, which is increasing every year. We felt rewarded from the satisfied expressions of the students and will continue to provide various programs for the students.”
Meanwhile, Jindo-gun reported that Lee Jeong-han, president of the Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association, practiced beautiful sharing by donating 5 million won, the highest amount ever to the Hometown Love Donation Scheme. The donation ceremony was specially held at Jindogae Theme Park, the venue for the Bobae Island Chrysanthemum Festival, which runs until the 17th.
The Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association, based on the ‘Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association’ established in 1971, was established as Korea’s first ‘statutory women’s economic organization’ in accordance with ‘Article 13 of the Act on Support for Women’s Enterprises’ enacted in 1999. , a statutory organization representing 19 branches nationwide and 3.14 million female business owners.
In addition, the Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association has continued its relationship with Jindo through the ‘National Female CEO Management Training’ event held in Jindo-gun last year, and members of the association have continued to practice the hometown love donation system in Jindo-gun and promote Jindo’s development. We are not sparing any support for you.
Chairman Lee Jeong-han said, “I want to publicize the charm of Jindo, which has the history of the Battle of Myeongnyang and is the home of Jindo Dog, Natural Monument No. 53, and I always support Jindo-gun.”
Jindo County Governor Kim Hee-soo said, “We are deeply grateful to Chairman Lee Jeong-han for his hometown love donation system,” and added, “We will carefully use the donation for Jindo Island Bobae Island, including projects to improve the welfare of residents.”
The Hometown Love Donation System, which was implemented on January 1 last year, is a system that allows individuals to donate up to 5 million won per year to local governments excluding their own address. Donations are used to improve the welfare of local residents, and donors receive a tax credit (100,000 won). (full deduction up to won) and a gift worth 30% of the donation will be given.
Economy Queen reporter Hana Choi photo Jindo-gun
How do community support programs like ’Happy Meals’ benefit middle-aged men in terms of nutrition and social interaction?
Interview: Navigating Nutrition and Community Support for Middle-Aged Men
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today we have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Kyung-Mi Park, a nutritionist and community development expert, who is actively involved in the ‘Happy Meals’ program at the Jindo County Family Center. Dr. Park, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Kyung-Mi Park: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share the insights from our program and discuss its impact on the community.
Editor: To start off, can you tell us what prompted the launch of the ‘Happy Meals’ program, specifically for middle-aged men living alone?
Dr. Park: Certainly! We noticed a growing trend of single-person households, particularly among middle-aged men, who often rely on unhealthy fast food or simply don’t prioritize cooking for themselves. Our goal with ‘Happy Meals’ is not only to teach them basic cooking skills but also to empower them to take charge of their nutrition and well-being as they plan for retirement.
Editor: That’s fascinating! What specific skills or topics does the program cover to help these participants improve their eating habits?
Dr. Park: The program includes hands-on cooking classes where participants learn to prepare simple but nutritious meals. We cover essential cooking techniques, meal planning, and the importance of balanced diets. The course also emphasizes the joy of cooking and how it can be a fulfilling activity rather than a chore.
Editor: It’s great to hear that participants are finding enjoyment in cooking. Can you share a memorable experience or feedback from one of the participants that stood out to you?
Dr. Park: Absolutely! One participant shared how he initially viewed meals as just a means to fill up — often opting for takeout or minimal side dishes. After attending the classes, he discovered the satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from cooking for himself. It also opened the door to social connections, as he enjoyed engaging with fellow participants. This sense of community is just as important as the skills they’re learning.
Editor: It seems like a holistic approach to improving their lives. How has the community responded to ‘Happy Meals’? Have you seen a tangible change in the participants?
Dr. Park: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants express satisfaction not only with their cooking skills but with the friendships formed during the process. As for tangible changes, we’ve noticed many participants reporting healthier eating habits and a newfound interest in trying out different recipes.
Editor: That’s wonderful! Speaking of community, I saw that Lee Jeong-han, the president of the Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association, made a significant donation to support local initiatives. How do initiatives like this tie into what you’re doing at Jindo County Family Center?
Dr. Park: Support from figures like Ms. Lee plays a crucial role in sustaining programs like ‘Happy Meals.’ Financial contributions help us expand our offerings and reach more individuals. It’s also heartening to see community leaders promoting social causes and encouraging others to participate. It creates a domino effect of positivity and support for local initiatives.
Editor: It sounds like ‘Happy Meals’ is much more than just cooking classes; it’s a catalyst for change and community building. What are the future plans for the program?
Dr. Park: We hope to introduce more diverse classes focusing on ethnic cuisines and seasonal cooking, encourage participants to share their own family recipes, and even integrate nutrition education into the curriculum. Our mission is to continue adapting and responding to the needs of our community as it evolves.
Editor: Dr. Park, thank you so much for sharing your insights on the ‘Happy Meals’ initiative. It’s inspiring to hear how such programs can significantly impact individuals and foster community connections.
Dr. Park: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our efforts.
Editor: And to our readers, thank you for joining us. Stay tuned for more updates on innovative initiatives shaping our communities!